Aspiring Pilgrims Advised to Complete Haj 2026 Registration by Jan 15

Hyderabad:In wake of the Saudi ministry of Haj and Umrah issuing fresh guidelines, the Haj Umrah Group Organisers Association (Telangana) has urged the aspiring pilgrims to complete their registration by January 15. The date the deadline for registration set by the Saudi government and visa issuance has been scheduled for March 20.

Addressing a press conference, representatives of the association said that Saudi authorities had indicated that no extension would be granted beyond this date. Association president M.A. Razzaq Qamar advised pilgrims to book only through recognised and approved Haj group organisers and to ensure that their registration and quota status was confirmed in advance.

Qamar said that as announced by Saudi Arabia’s minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, a health fitness certificate will be mandatory for all Haj 2026 pilgrims.

As per the latest advisory of the Saudi authorities, Haj group organisers will be responsible for end-to-end planning and arrangements, including visa applications, obtaining health fitness certificates, and securing necessary approvals. “These approvals are issued electronically through government-approved hospitals via the MASAR online platform prior to visa issuance,” Qamar informed.

The association urged pilgrims to carry a copy of their Aadhaar card for entry into Haram Al-Sharif and while visiting other holy sites. He cautioned that pilgrims suffering from serious medical conditions — including heart, kidney, liver, respiratory and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and meningitis, as well as those with neurological or psychological disorders, elderly persons with dementia, pregnant women nearing full term, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy — will not be permitted to perform Haj.

“Such pilgrims, even if they depart from Hyderabad, may be sent back upon arrival in Saudi Arabia,” he cautioned.